Description
The legend that was to become Rolls-Royce was founded in May 1904 when a deal was struck between Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls. Shortly after, the first Rolls-Royce motor car – the Rolls-Royce 10 hp – was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in December 1904. It was agreed that Rolls-Royce would initially manufacture four different models being a two cylinder 10hp model, a three cylinder 15hp model, a four cylinder 20hp model and a six cylinder 20hp model. It was immediately apparent that to manufacture their cars Rolls-Royce would require a larger factory and the decision was made to establish their headquarters and manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Derby in the East Midlands of England.
On the 15th March 1906 the company Rolls-Royce Limited was formed and during this year Royce had been developing an improved six cylinder model with more power than the 30hp. Initially designated the 40/ 50hp, this was the company’s first all-new model that was also to become known as the Silver Ghost.
Like all car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce was impacted by the First World War. Times were tough and post war the company made a strategic decision to manufacture a cheaper smaller car, enter the Rolls-Royce 20hp. This model was a success and produced alongside the Silver Ghost and its successor the Phantom ensuring the Rolls-Royce motor car company would survive and prosper.
In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired the Bentley motor car company.
Post the Second World War a significant milestone in Roll-Royce history was the introduction of the Silver Dawn, which was the first model to be built with a factory built body. In April 1955 Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud and for the next eleven years this model was at the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce production. The Cloud evolved through three major model iterations, being the Silver Cloud I, Silver Cloud II and Silver Cloud III until it was superseded by the Silver Shadow. The last of the Silver Clouds rolled off the Crewe production line in 1965 although specialist coachbuilders were still offering the Cloud III in early 1966. During this time some 7, 372 cars were built.
One of the major changes to occur during Silver Cloud production was to the engine. The 4. 9 litre 6 cylinder engine used in the Cloud I was replaced by a 6. 2 litre V8 engine for the Cloud II. This change ensured the Cloud II had far greater performance all round.
With the arrival of the Cloud III in 1963 the car had now evolved both internally and externally, albeit subtly. The major visual difference was the introduction of the quad head light set up that was to be continued on the Silver Shadow and a lowered bonnet. The Cloud III also shed a few kilos further improving performance and handling.
We have on offer a UK delivered, factory right hand drive example of the final generation of Silver Clouds.
This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III is confirmed as having a ‘matching numbers’ chassis, engine and body according to the Rolls-Royce build sheets on file. The car was sold new through Rolls-Royce agent Jack Barclay Limited to Sidney Simon Esq from Grosvenor Square in London W1. It was delivered on the 9th May 1964. The car was originally finished in ‘Mason’s Black’ (501) over ‘Tudor Grey’ (ICI. M. 151-2581) with tudor grey lines and a grey leather interior. The build sheets were very specific about how the car was painted and they note: “ . . . Masons Black to top of body, body & bonnet moulding, between waist mould rear wings and boot door. Tudor Grey to lower panels of body, bonnet top of scuttle, front wings and all discs”. The car was originally registered in the UK as 55 9151.
The car’s subsequent early history is not known, however, it found its way to North America and there is a State of California Temporary Operating Permit dated 31st January 1984 (license plate 804MKF) on file. The car belonged to St George Construction from Santa Barbara California in October 1990. It is then documented as being in the same ownership from 1994 through until 2011 in Madison, Virginia.
The car was then sold to Australia and the Commonwealth of Virginia title is date stamped November 2011 by the US Customs and Border Protection Vehicle Export Team.
It’s not known who imported the car into Australia, however, it was offered for sale at the 2013 Motorclassica auction in Melbourne. At the time the car was on Victorian Club registration and it was registered as 30013-H. The car was sold to the current owners in 2014 by classic car dealer Bob Parsons from Brighton in Melbourne. In their ownership the car spent time in Launceston, Tasmania and more recently in Palm Cove, north Queensland.
Today this Silver Cloud is best described as a ‘nice driver’. From say a meter the paintwork presents well, however, on closer inspection there are blemishes over most of the car. It appears as though the paint has started to delaminate in places and there is one section below the rear windscreen where it has started to crack and peel off. This is most likely the result from poor preparation of what looks to be an older repaint. There are also some rust spots here and there. The external trim, bright work and glass are all in good condition, with the exception of the boot handle and trim piece above it that houses the number plate light. These are both pitted. Both rear bumper over riders have a small dent. The black paint work is complimented beautifully by the whitewall tyres and red leather interior. The interior is generally in good condition. The leather upholstery is soft and supple and there are no rips, tears or splits in the seats. It should be noted that the driver’s seat has started to collapse and the springs will need replacing. All of the instruments and controls are in good condition and everything looks to be in working order. The burl walnut timber is a real feature in the cabin of a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and it is in good condition in this car. The black carpets are in good condition. The car is fitted with air conditioning, though it is currently not blowing cold air and most likely needs to be regassed.
The car starts easily and settles into ‘that’ Rolls-Royce idle immediately. The cabin is a ‘nice place to be’ to take in the ambience of the car as the engine warms. On a hot Brisbane morning the engine warms quickly and you are soon mobile. The car drives well and it is very smooth on the road, though the rear suspension is noticeably soft. Most likely the rear shock absorbers need overhauling. The gear change from the automatic transmission, the steering and the brakes perform as expected. Everything looks to work on the car, including the electric windows.
The engine bay is neat, clean and tidy. The boot is also clean, though the boot lining is sagging and the rear trim piece is missing.
The car has some needs to be made roadworthy. The front left hand side body mount has rusted and will need repair. The right hand side mount is not visible but it may also require attention. Other rust repairs will also be required. Whilst the brakes function well, a recent inspection has revealed the system requires an overhaul. Other miscellaneous mechanical works are also required. The car would also benefit from a new set of tyres.
There are invoices on file from January/ February/ March 2016 that total in excess of $17, 000. The work was completed by Pride Autos in Launceston and classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists, NBS Services, here in Brisbane. The work done at that time was a major service, an overhaul of the cooling system (including a recore of the radiator), brake system repairs and other miscellaneous works.
Accompanying this car is a copy of the original build sheets from Rolls Royce, an original owner’s manual, some historical documentation as well as a tool kit (partially complete), jack, pump and spare wheel.
Today the odometer reads 53, 773 miles.
Highlights:
- A UK delivered, factory right hand drive example of Rolls-Royce’s iconic Silver Cloud III.
- Matching numbers chassis, engine and body.
- Finished in the most striking colour scheme.
- Priced to reflect the car has some needs to be made roadworthy.
Price - AUD $46, 950.
